China Mobile, a Chinese government-owned telecom operator, recently announced the launch of the world’s first
6G
satellites, marking China’s advancement in the field of emerging communication technologies. According to a report in IoT World, two experimental satellites have been deployed into low-Earth orbit (LEO). One of these satellites is equipped with 6G architecture, a joint development of
China Mobile
and the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The other satellite utilises China Mobile’s 5G technology.
These LEO satellites, orbiting approximately 310 miles above the Earth, are gaining traction due to their ability to offer lower latency and higher data transfer rates compared to their higher-orbit counterparts. This allows for adaptable orbit paths and high-speed internet access in remote areas.
What is the aim of the 6G test
China Mobile plans to carry out in-orbit experiments on these test satellites and use the findings to enhance the development of space-to-ground technologies.
China wants to commercialise 6G by 2030
China has set a goal to commercialize 6G technologies by 2030, as stated in a white paper released by The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) last December.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the ITU, reportedly has emphasized on the importance of mobile communications in connecting everyone meaningfully. As per the IoT World report, she stated that the agreement on the way forward on 6G by ITU Member States is a significant step towards ensuring that technological progress aligns with affordability, security, and resilience, thereby supporting sustainable development and digital transformation globally.
The ITU anticipates that 6G will enable “immersive” communication, offering customers superior quality video communication capabilities. It also foresees extensive connectivity in rural and sparsely populated areas, helping to bridge the digital divide.
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